Waterford Today

In a recent interview with Bridge Michigan, Michigan Technological University (MTU) doctoral student Wesley McGowan recalled several instances of racism that he has personally endured during his years at the university.

McGowan, who is black, is one of very few nonwhite students at the school. And since he was a freshman, he has endured several instances of open racism, as well as other uncomfortable moments on campus. 

McGowan detailed several instances in which he felt discriminated against at the school, ranging from an uncomfortable encounter with a janitor who treated him as though he had broken into the building, to the blatant use of a racial slur directed at him from a passing vehicle while he was walking in downtown Houghton.

Wesley McGowan, doctoral student | Michigan Tech

In light of the George Floyd killing by police last year, MTU issued a strong statement condemning hate speech, white supremacy and other forms of intolerance. The statement also came after a local synagogue was vandalized. The statement did not go unnoticed, however, by the local community. There was backlash, specifically from engineering professor Jeffrey Burl, who stated that he had never seen an instance of racism in his 28 years at the school. 

"I find this resolution particularly offensive because I, as a white male, have been systematically discriminated against for 40 years," Burl wrote, referring to the hiring process, according to Bridge Michigan.

Another professor, Jaroslaw Drelich, also condemned the statement given by the university, referring to it as "the most hateful and divisive document that was ever produced by the Senate," reported Bridge Michigan.

Many students and staff of color responded to the professors, saying that they have been reporting systemic racism and discrimination at Michigan Tech for years. 

Alexa Thompson, a black alumni of the school, said, "This is depressing, that in the year of our lord 2021, we have people in positions of power at MTU without a basic understanding of the words sexism, racism and prejudice.”

The school and its leadership are falling under increasing pressure to condemn the statements of the two professors but have not done so yet.